MakerSlide is an open-source linear bearing system that doubles as structural support. It is dimensionally compatible with several T-slot aluminium extrusion systems (it most closely resembles the Misumi HFS5 series). This makes it easy to integrate in any design. MakerSlide does the same job as the tried-and-true industrial system of V-groove bearings running on V-rails, at a fraction of the cost. It is a 20 mm by 40 mm T-slot profile with V-rails built-in, which makes it simpler than systems with V-rails bolted to a separate aluminium profile. An important advantage of V-groove systems, including MakerSlide, over other linear bearing systems, such as linear ball bearings on round rods, is that V-groove systems withstand torsion around all axes. This also simplifies machine design and lowers cost.

Hardcoat anodized MakerSlide can be used with steel V-wheels. These are significantly more rigid and can bear more load than the acetal (Delrin) V-wheels. However, our steel V-wheels are smaller than the acetal V-wheels, so please read their description for hole positioning and use the appropriate carriages.

MakerSlide can be attached to other components of the machine in several ways, most notably by using insertion nuts in the T-slots (available in M3, M4 and M5), and by tapping the end holes and using M5 screws. A spiral flute tap is recommended for tapping MakerSlide. Brackets and a wide variety of compatible accessories are available from, for example, Misumi (contact us if you'd like us to carry a particular item).

MakerSlide can be cut by a variety of means:

hacksaw (with or without a mitre box);

chop saw or mitre saw, even one with an ordinary tungsten-carbide tipped blade for wood -- preferrably a cross-cut blade, but any blade will do if you go slowly. If using an abrasive cutting blade, check that it has been designed for cutting aluminium.

band saw;

any of the above, followed by facing in a milling machine.

While MakerSlide can be cut, filed and sanded safely, please remember that grinding aluminium alloys with a stone or disk designed for ferrous metals is dangerous. It can cause the grinding stone or disk to disintegrate, which can have disastrous consequences.

At the moment, we do not tap MakerSlide, nor do we offer a cutting service, but this may change in the future. Several factory-cut lengths are available, covering a wide range, from 250 mm to 2 m.